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The beginning ...

So finally I decide to make a thread for this my car into this forum .
I see a lot of fields about car and modifications, that I skip for now, but will update them also with other description information during progress in this thread.
I prefer chronological explanation of progress and here will post pictures and information about car and work on it.

The story for me with this car started from this forum and one advert several years ago. As I sad to a good friend of mine (big car enthusiast, with several alfas) then, sending him a picture - because blue is my favorite color ... . And then after long discussion with ditlev with a lot of PMs, pictures on mail and thinking I decided, that really want this car to be mine. The car was really far from me (the car was in Denmark and I'm in Bulgaria) and there isn't easy way to see and hear it for real and such discussion was the way know more about the car. Good circumstance for me then was that look like there wasn't other serious buyer for initial period of advert and during our long discussion, then some appear and I have to make a decision and compare with him if I wanted the car.
The car was delivered by used cars dealer and the deal was actually made by truck driver with money in cash with him. And when the car was in Bulgaria I receive a call, that can go at used cars dealer place and see it for real for first time .
This is from registration process16072014150.jpg
The car have some modifications: tubular exhaust manifold (from Italy from what I remember, 38mm external diameter of piping), some part of exhaust made of stainless steel 63.5mm (2.5"), Forge dual piston BOV, short shifter, 16" Borbet Type E 7'5J ET35 with 215/40-16 tires, wheel spacers at front and 20mm I think at the back (at front I think was original one for widebody cars I think).2014-03-28 16.39.28-2.jpg
(spark plug cover was available with car and now is installed)
The car also came with a lot of parts with it: Squadra Tuning chip, 4 used Compomotive TH2 17" with tires 215/35-17 (other wheels of the car) + 1 new wheel in the box, front wishbones, ball-joints, old exhaust manifold, intercooler, steel head gasket, AC control panel, board computer panel and others...03092014176.jpg03092014177.jpg16072014151.jpg16072014152.jpg
Here is a pictures of the car with Compomotive TH2 wheels (from ditlev, I haven't used these wheels on the car yet):alfa-romeo-155-q4 (2).jpgalfa-romeo-155-q4.jpg
The car have nice leather interior:2014-03-28 16.37.48.jpgimg_3725_34854715030_o.jpg

I think that this is enough for beginning (I may add or change some things in this post if remember something else needing mentioning here)

And some common stuffs..

Thanks Steve .
In first post I reach the limit of maximum pictures per post, so continue with something that have to be there. In folder with papers and receipts for the car, that came with it, there is also a dyno graph and it show good result 16082014175.jpg

And after acquisition and coming in my hands I started and continue for some time with common stuffs - basically maintenance, changing and repairing some things. Not sure that remember everything (don't say that they are so many things either), so may change this post several times.
Oils, for engine I use Motul Sport 5W-50 Ester based lubricant (I want something more special and think that Motul ester oils are such) and for gearbox and rear differential use Motul 300 Gear 75W-90, which is also step up than normal gearbox oil. Balance shafts was "disabled" and its belt removed at changing of belts and pulleys. Ignition system was renewed - coils, plug wires and spark plugs05072015298.jpg
For spark plugs I go for standard, copper Denso and decided to go one step colder for some increase in boost in the future... For this model are showed Denso W20EPB (equivalent NGK BP6ET) and I go for W22EPB (equivalent NGK BP7ET). Look like this engine (Lampredi's 2.0 16V turbo) is used with colder spark plugs (7 hear index on NGK) on some of the earlier version with distributor ignition from what I see.
Reverse gear lights wasn't working, which turned to be the sensor. The mechanic sad then that is different than what it was expected and have seen on italian cars from this period and also the position was different. Here it is:29052016400.jpg
Front windshield crack (maybe was my fault during one washing of car...). 19042016394.jpg
First was ordered Saint Gobain, but the only one available was broken during transportation from Europe and then Pilkington was ordered, which arrive successfully. The installation guy sad that it is like armored , thicker than previous one (which was not original one I think, Saint Gobain).
One wheel bearing was replaces, rear from what I remember. Valve's cover gasket was replaced, because of leaking. Plug wires cover was installed (it was available) with one new thread fixed/newly made from what I remember also one such manipulation for timing belt cover (I have seen such issue on one Coupe 16VT, so I guess, that is not so uncommon for this engine). Windshield wipers was modern beam type and I change them to conventional one. Front scudetto/grille was tightly fixed and that is a major problem for 155 with its plastic pins from what I read.
Also bought some parts just in case or because was at good price - pair of cheap white Depo front indicators (one on the car is cracked, but haven't changed it yet), several sensors (intake air temperature (two I think), water temperature, low oil pressure...), track rod end, lambda probe... Common problem on 155 are outside door handles as you know and are difficult to find. All on the car are fine now, but because of this common issue I bought second hand handles to have, one time two right and after that two left one of which was modified to be stronger with adding of material.

So basically nothing special here. More interesting things in next posts

Stockpiling with more interesting parts (Part 1)

One picture of the car from first years of ownership, the quiet years let say 23052015252.jpg
And here are some of the more interesting let say things, which I bought from time to time:

Brand new OZ Racing Alleggerita HLT 16" 7J 4x10013022016386.jpg13022016387.jpg13022016388.jpg13022016389.jpg13022016390.jpg
I bought these because was really an amazing offer, which I could not miss and also like very much light OZ wheels - Ultraleggera, Superleggera... and these are even lighter. Alleggerita are the lightest OZ wheels and the only one from them, which came with "Weight certificate" for each wheel (can be seen on above photos)!

Silverstone/Formula rear spoiler18122016437.jpg18122016438.jpg18122016439.jpg
This spoiler I bought it, because was able to get it at good price and is a rare, original part, which will become more rare in the future I guess, so just to have it. My car is "Sport" modification and have the corresponding spoiler, so already have original rear spoiler and don't plan to use this for now...

Lancia Kappa 16V turbo intake manifold and fuel rail24042016396.jpg
The best standard manifold for Lampredi's 16V turbo engine and very sought after item as many of you know. Have read with data, that original one with some porting can flow more than such unmodified, but straight runners of this are better design performance wise, so definitely good to have. At one point started to look for one, but turned out it is more sought after that I expected and this made me a little mad and want it even more . Generally when I have called on advert for such car for spares, the answer was "this was first thing, which I sold..". A friend of mine told me, that one guy have such for sale and I catch that chance.

As I reach the limit of 10 pictures per post will continue on another one . Stay tuned...

Interesting parts (Part 2)

Coil on plug (COP) is more modern and advance ignition system for sure, but original wasted spark is not bad at all and is capable enough for 400hp and even more on this engine from what I have read. But if is planed aftermarket ECU then this is the route in my opinion. With original ECU can be implemented coil on plug setup, but it will fire 2 coils/plugs at same time.
About installation of Kappa 16VT inlet manifold on our cars there is one "modification", which I really don't like - cutting of mounts for upper part of original manifold. And from what I read these original mounting points obstruct fitting of flange to engine head of Kappa manifold. I like performance modifications for sure and plan and do such on my cars, but also have one general rule - to be able to return to original state. So generally no cutting of metal, dashboard, interior trim ... if there isn't spare one.

I continue with some interesting parts, which I acquired:

Walbro GSS341 high pressure in-tank 255/h fuel pump03022018542.jpg
A friend of mine was in USA for business trip and I use the moment and him to order more serious fuel pump from Walbro for my eventual future plans and also as our vehicles are now at age and their original (most likely) fuel pump also can be expected that they will not work as new and will not be so unusual to break at some moment. These model flow more at high fuel pressure compared to their normal, old 255l/h variants.

OZ Racing Ultraleggera 17" 7J ET37 4x100 Crystal Titanium05122015364.jpg05122015365.jpg05122015368.jpg
Again wheels, but these are my favorite model and was bought to be put on the car for sure. I was a little unsure about going with 17" and some very low tires (because of very small wheel arches on this model as you know) and bad roads here and delayed this decision for some time... The Compomotive TH2 wheels, which came with the car as part of the deal are with tires 215/35-17 and I don't want to drive with such size here. So size in mind was 215/40-17 and to see how it will be...

Also other reason for bigger wheels is big brakes upgrade on which I'm really big fan and it happen to be first real performance modification I make on my cars. I don't want to do the things in most popular and simple way and want to make something more unique. I have some brake calipers models in my mind already and looked for them from time to time (later I will have all of them and that will be seen here of course, but that is in let say in the future for moment for which I write). And I bought that of them to which I leaned most

Brembo 17Z 6 pistons monoblock brake calipers20150623_150327.jpg20150623_150321.jpg12072015300.jpg12072015301.jpg12072015304.jpg
* The plastic bottle of 1.5l was just for comparison .
This model was originally used on early Porsche Cayenne V6s and VW Touareg with 330x32 discs and as its name suggest it was intended for 17" wheels. As my brake upgrade will be limited to 17" wheels and wanted something to be as big as can be put into 17" then this caliper model look as very good option to me . This particular model is from Touareg I guess, because Porsche generally put its name on it and paint them in more eye catching color let say. The total piston's area of this model is not small at all - 34/36/38 = 3060mm2. That was concern for such brake upgrade. For example on calipers from 166 and on earlier GTA with 305mm discs and GTV V6 also I think area is 38/42 = 2520mm2.

Good point about the modification, but there are a number of things I dislike about the original manifold, the lack of access to the coils, lack of access to the injectors, the rubber joiners and the shape of it. When I install the new manifold, I doubt the old one will ever go back on, if it ever needs to, well I'm sure something can be fabricated for the mounting points.

The manifold means that you need to relocate the coils and a couple of other bits so I was thinking of moving to COP at the same time, however being sensible it might be best to just get new standard coils (cheap) whilst I move things about.

brake calipers continue

Yes, Kappa's manifold have more than one benefit than our original one and generally no useful reason to return once done except going for originality.

Then other brake calipers, which I check from time to time appear at good price and I decided to buy them also .

Brembo 18Z monoblock brake calipers23122015373.jpg23122015372.jpg
17Z and 18Z are very similar calipers, used on same cars and wheel hubs basically. The difference between them is pistons size, length of mounting "ears" and pads size. Total piston area of 18Z is smaller - 30/34/38 (2750mm2), so smaller increase from stock compared to 17Z and that was a good reason to bought them. 18Z are used originally with 350x34mm discs on Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg. Basically almost the same body and overall size calipers are spaced differently to work with different size discs (330 and 350 mm) on same cars.
And here are them side by side (18Z are on the left):26062016402.jpg26062016403.jpg26062016404.jpg26062016406.jpg
Both calipers are popular as upgrade in VAG community mainly, because they can be fitted directly to the hub on many vehicles.
Pads are interchangeable between them, so 17Z pads can be used on 18Z and vice versa (both pair calipers was with 18Z pads). 18Z pads are bigger and here is some comparison6967763500_5d15c6b2cb_b.jpgIMG_0227.jpg
To not occur overhang with higher 18Z pads, disc should have high working area.

Some more parts...

Thanks for the comment and interest jNk
Generally I have plans for the car, not accidentally it is named GTA Stradale . But will see what will happen, because plans are changed from time to time... Stay tuned, I still write for old things and haven't reached to current moment . But for sure the car have to be street.

New rear torsen differential29032015249.jpg29032015248.jpg
I saw advert for this differential in ebay from one guy in Austria I think and he even have 2 or 3 differentials from what I remember. The price was good and decided, that is good to buy one.
Later I also bought new rear differential housing and I think that was from same guy... The price was good and decided, that have to buy it. Don't have picture of it, but when do some will add it here.

Apexi AVC-R electronic boost controllerpost-368-0-44203000-1416335315.jpg
From what I have read this boost controller is very good. Two settings and also one more when is off (then by wastegate spring only), boost by gear, by rpm with 500rpm increments and other settings. Yeah they are two, but I have two turbo cars. I bought first one for my GTV, then I don't have 155 yet I think. Then there was one at good price and decided to buy one more also

And again brake calipers - Brembo 8 pistons25032017470.jpg25032017469.jpg25032017466.jpg25032017468.jpg25032017467.jpg
Here agains 18Z. These are used on RS4 B7, RS6 C5, Phaeton V10/W12, R8, Gallardo, Murcielago. These are the 3rd model which I consider for my front upgrade, but then I have suspicious about using it on 17" (which was my limit). I bought these after brake upgrade and If I have to do it again will use these. Total piston area is smaller than 17Z calipers - 38/42/38/42 = 2840mm2. 4 pads per caliper, radially mounting so more freedom for installation. Now my calipers are a little out of disc and for this mounting best fit will be with a little bigger than 330mm discs and also with 18Z pads, which are higher, but this I understand after I already bought the discs and pads and everything was ready...

Suspension

The next on the list was suspension.
As you know not many options for our car. The car have Eibach springs so also option was to buy just dampers, but I wanted to try with complete kit, that should have matched dampers and springs. Intrax have kits for our model and are very good probably, but expensive. I decided to try H&R monotube coilovers for Alfa Romeo 155 2.5 V6. From what I have read it should fit, but have doubts how the rear will be ... Q4 is definitely heavier at the back and on the front V6 is not so light so maybe not so big difference. From looking at documentation Q4 rear springs are thicker than 2.5 V6 - 13.9 vs 12.4. Free length is given the same as 305mm. But H&R springs are generally stiff so it may work I thought ...18042017479.jpg1689_0.jpg.6176897bd11bb1b8515a33f2e64deaba.jpg
I did not make pictures of the kit, because was well packed. But is like on second picture. From what I have read dampers are made by Bilstein to H&R spec and springs are H&R, but not 100% sure. So coilovers on front and separate dampers and springs at the back. Rear dampers are shorter than original from what I have seen on one kit for TS, so probably something like Bilstein B8, which are for bigger lowering, which sound normal considering 40mm lowering (B6 for standard ride height or up to 30mm).
But after installation the mechanic call me that at the back is not ok and the car go very low when put on the ground, like sit on the tires. And was used old Eibach springs at the back. Unfortunately I didn't saw how exactly was this on real or picture... I have make a thread about this issue on the forum.
On the front is ok as ride height, I think even higher than before. I definitely feel the difference from before and is much better, but dampers, which was removed was leaking. Rubbing at the back is improved, but if someone is the back it is an issue, so that will not be the end regarding back suspension...
Here is how is now at the back and with H&R springs from the kit was several cm down, top of the tire was not seen from what I remember to been told by mechanic08052017480.jpg
And here are rates of springs in that kit, I have asked H&R and surprisingly receive an answer:
"29992-2 uses springs with 55N/mm front and 45N/mm rear.
Our coilovers are just available in one specification, not with any other spring rates."
More pictures of the all car in the next post

Haven't tried to measure times and haven't pushed the car too much as these was my first track drives and also have to return with that car back home, which is far from there. No official timing on both as driving is not with competition nature. Nordschleife is officially public road and on Spa have noise check/control.
On the ring you go to the track and then have to exit after one "lap", you can not drive multiple laps at once on public driving sessions as we was (there is trackdays where you can). Manufacturer measure full lap and people don't measure complete lap."During tourist driving sessions, the full main straight cannot be driven at speed due to the exit/entrance. These laps are usually timed "bridge to gantry", which is only 19.1 km (11.9 mi). The lap goes from the "bridge" to the "gantry" (currently carrying Audi sponsorship.)"
Spa is modern circuit with all the safety features and zones, Nordschleife is exactly the opposite, it's a little scary.
Recommend them for sure and want to go again, but this time better prepared as a car and personally

I want to do something for the rear brakes also, but want to keep hand brake also so these calipers are prepared for that goal01012018528.jpg01012018527.jpg01012018529.jpg
These are rear calipers used on latest 145,146 and other alfas from that time also. These particular one are from GTV I guess (not from Phase 1 as mine is not with such), because there was GTV inscription on them when I bought them. They are aluminum unlike these on 155 and are known as bolt-on upgrade for 155s in Bulgaria. There is reports for feel improvement and for hand brake also. Calipers was sandblasted, painted and rebuild.
My plan is to be used with bigger discs and custom bracket of course. For the choice of discs I filter the selection to two particular discs - one is 280x11 (Volvo C30 and others) and other is 290x11 (Toyota Avensis) mm. Haven't decided finally which one...

I haven't closed the chapter for rear suspension as I sad already in the thread and decided to try with some standard solution for which I read good responses here11092017512.jpg11092017513.jpg
Intrax springs for 155 Q4. Intrax offer 5 models springs for 155 off the shelve! And one in particular for Q4, which are above ones - ALF1173. Only rear will be used. Something else, which bothers me about them is that is stated that they lower with 50mm, but from pictures of Brul(tm)'s car with same size of tyres rear look almost like mine with Eibach, so will see...

Very interesting on the upgraded rear brakes. Although mine got through the MOT as second time of trying I suspect on of my calipers is not working so well.
Do you have the part numbers for them at all?

The serious suspension mod - anti-roll bars

Tarox offer such rear kit for many italian cars from same period and its expensive mostly because of two piece discs I guess. I don't know part number, but they are not so rare or special I think, although when I searched for such in advert for later 145/146 for spares I receive several answers that they are already sold (that was really a surprise for me - to have demand on rear calipers from 15-20 years old Italian cars!). I can check what is written on them, but you can quickly figure out the visual difference between them and earlier (will say) model rear calipers. Generally speaking look at Italian cars from late '90 - early '00 and not only alfas. I guess that this have to be some improvement from Fiat/Alfa Romeo from factory. I have read to be used on TS 155 here as direct replacement of original calipers. Initially my plan was to do the same and not go to custom route, but then decided that really want bigger discs at the back also. For now thats the plan and will see. Brake force regular have big influence for poor rear brakes and seized calipers. It blocks on old cars and will be checked also, because my rear brakes are not really working right now.

The new season for the car is not opened yet, but preparation of modifications for my "GTA Stradale" for the future haven't stopped at all .

Pedders Suspension front and rear anti-roll bars for Alfa Romeo 155 Q414032018568.jpg14032018570.jpg
These are 28mm front and 24mm rear and Pedders Suspension Australia is the only manufacturer who offer such items for our cars. Who have read the forum for a while probably will know how these become available for our cars.
The idea for these really grew in my mind after driving on Spa and Nordschleife. Such items can not be seen on their website, but I contact Pedders Bendigo (for that particular office I have read in the forum) and luckily they still offer such items and these particular ones was already available there. Different sizes are also possible (I ask), but will have to be wait some time for preparation. They also mention that last time, when they sell such was to Latvia in 2015 and I guess that this is probably to someone on here. And choose sending on sea as cheapest option and after approximately 3 months they reach me. Have to mention that packaging was not the best for such heavy items and long trip around the world and there is marks on them. I have mention this to Pedders with pictures and they sad that will think about that and how can be improved. But generally they was very friendly and responsive. So if someone is interested in anti roll bars for his Q4 to know that they still offer such.

These are 28mm front and 24mm rear and Pedders Suspension Australia is the only manufacturer who offer such items for our cars. Who have read the forum for a while probably will know how these become available for our cars.
The idea for these really grew in my mind after driving on Spa and Nordschleife. Such items can not be seen on their website, but I contact Pedders Bendigo (for that particular office I have read in the forum) and luckily they still offer such items and these particular ones was already available there. Different sizes are also possible (I ask), but will have to be wait some time for preparation. They also mention that last time, when they sell such was to Latvia in 2015 and I guess that this is probably to someone on here. And choose sending on sea as cheapest option and after approximately 3 months they reach me. Have to mention that packaging was not the best for such heavy items and long trip around the world and there is marks on them. I have mention this to Pedders with pictures and they sad that will think about that and how can be improved. But generally they was very friendly and responsive. So if someone is interested in anti roll bars for his Q4 to know that they still offer such.

I remember speaking to Pedders as well, I think it was Jim Neilsen who originally got the ARB's made up, I did try to organise a group buy previously, but there wasn't enough interest and obviously shipping these is a lot harder than shipping the quickshif kit.

Good luck fitting the front, I seem to remember you need to drop the subframe to get it into place.

I thought to post a quick summary of the story of these bars in previous post from what I have read in the forum (I have try to find whatever I can in the forum about anti roll bars). So for the newest member.
Many years ago jimnielsen (Australia) have send his rear anti-roll bar to Pedders Bendigo (Australia) for making of thicker its version. After that na15575 (Greece) have send front anti-roll bar to them for preparing of thicker version and I guess he is the first one to have upgraded front and rear anti-roll bars on his car.

For the front is prepared something custom for perfect fit, but will write when it is at my hands...

And this post to not be just comments here is one great find, which I made a little accidentally.
Behr thermostat for 155 Q410032018565.jpg
New old stock, something which is not produced from some time now. It was staying at one local dealer of alfa romeo parts for more than 10 years for sure and maybe more than 20

And also here is a new original OZ carbon center caps for my Ultralleggera03022018544.jpg
I bought them just in case, but hope the current one, which are on the wheels to not disappear strangely.

Front anti-roll bar bushes

And something, which I waited for some time now...

SuperPro bushes for Pedders 28mm front anti-roll bar17072018595.jpg17072018596.jpg
As Pedders anti-roll bars don't come with anything in addition to bars itself I start to look for solution for bushes for front bar. I ask some companies who made polyurethane bushes for such custom order, but either no reply or answer that can not made it. But SuperPro were responsive and their European office sad that they can made such. They offer front anti roll bushes for alfa romeo 155 for standard sizes (22mm and 23mm) and also 27mm and 30mm, which I guess was made for Whiteline anti roll-bars, which was available in such sizes. So after one package was send to Asian office by mistake, new order was made to the factory and after a lot of waiting I receive the long awaited bushes. The Australian anti-roll bar will be complemented by Australian bushes . From what I see they are modified 23mm version with enlarged holes for bar. At same time was ordered same type of bushes for a friend of mine with Fiat Coupe, who have bought Eibach anti roll bars at very good price, but the kit, which he receive wasn't complete, just the bars and he needed 26mm version.17072018594.jpg
I guess and hope that bushes for front anti roll bar for Q4 are with same design and size as on other 155 and other Italian cars from same period...

And something else, which I mentioned in earlier post, but can not add its picture there because of limit of 10 pictures per post

New rear differential cover07072018591.jpg07072018592.jpg07072018593.jpg
I bought it some time ago. The price was good. The delivery was near price to the price of it. So good to have it I think. Also have new rear torsen differential unit, which goes inside this and can be seen in earlier post.

NOS Silverstone front splitter

New, unused original Silverstone front splitter23092018619.jpg23092018617.jpg
I accidentally saw a thread in another forum by wrinx where he mentioned that plan to put that on eBay's auction soon. Then I checked eBay for some time and decide to wrote him a private message here to write me when this happen and he wrote me. And not so surprisingly for me I win the auction . He sad that he bought it from Alfa Romeo dealer some years ago. Probably the only one such new in the world, so something very rare that wanted to have . Some time ago I asked one dealer for original Alfa Romeo parts for this and some other parts and he answer that it was out of production, nothing unexpected. Some time ago I bought used Silverstone rear spoiler and now if I can find original lifting kit ...

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